Ed Pendarvis Speaks to Business Students Concerning Business Ownership at ESS

Wednesday, February 02, 2011

Ed Pendarvis, founder and chairman emeritus of Sunbelt Brokers, LLC, will address business students on Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2011 at noon in Belcher Hall, fourth floor auditorium. He will speak on the topic: "Starting your Own Business-Franchise or Independent."

A native of Allendale, S.C., Pendarvis graduated from Allendale-Fairfax High School, then went on to attain his Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from The Citadel in Charleston, S.C. After serving two years in the United States Army Artillery, he returned to Allendale for a year, and then moved to Charleston, S.C. to learn the real estate and construction business. He worked with the Arthur Ravenel, Jr. Company for six years and afterwards started his own business.

In 1980, Pendarvis began a career in business brokerage, buying his partners out of Sunbelt Business Brokers. He operated in Charleston, S.C. until 2001. Afterwards, he opened a Sunbelt Office in Greenville, S.C.; Columbia, S.C.; Charlotte, N.C. and Augusta, Ga. In subsequent years, Pendarvis began franchising Sunbelt Business Brokers and built Sunbelt into the largest business brokerage network in the world with over 300 franchise offices in the United States and 28 foreign countries. He sold the company in 2006 and now serves as a consultant and as chairman emeritus of Sunbelt.

In 2009, Pendarvis founded an educational company that explains the advantages and the process of buying your own business. To support the company’s mission, he wrote a book entitled: “The Secrets of Buying the Right Business (for you) Right,” and produced 12 accompanying videos. The book & videos are free to watch and download at www.businessbuyersuniversity.com. He also founded Pendarvis Capital Group in 2008 to help individuals or groups finance businesses & franchises.

Pendarvis worked with the American Legion Palmetto Boys State program for over 46 years and served as chairman of the South Carolina Board of Youth Services in Columbia for six years. He serves as a member of The Citadel School of Business Advisory Board and as a member of the Board of the International Business Brokers Association. He is also a former member of the Better Business Bureau Board for South Carolina.

Pendarvis has received "The Order of The Palmetto," the state of South Carolina's highest civilian award from then Governor James B. Edwards (R) in 1978, and from former Governor Richard W. Riley (D) in 1983. He was inducted into The Citadel School of Business "Hall of Fame" in 2007 for his work with small businesses.

Pendarvis is married to the former Elaine Bowen of Charleston, S.C., and they have five daughters and eight wonderful grandchildren. Both are members of St. Philips Episcopal Church in Charleston, S.C.

For more information on the Executive Speaker Series, contact Dr. Ann S. Winstead at (803) 516-4864.